2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI By ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net    Subaru is one of my favorite car manufacturers but it does not get a lot of attention by the public.  Subaru is based in New Jersey and is a wholly owned subsidiary of FUJI Heavy Industries of Japan.  Subaru is widely known for having all their vehicles be All-Wheel Drive and for fuel efficient products.

 The WRX designation is applied to the Impreza models to indicate a rally car.  Rally cars are simply fun-to-drive style sport compacts.  They are fast and aggressive.  Other cars in that segment include the MazdaSpeed 3, the Volkswagen GTI, and the Mitsubishi Lancer RalliArt.   I had a test drive of the 2009 Impreza WRX last year and it responded to the twists and turns with ease.  That WRX model is definitely a rally car, having just enough roaring sound to satisfy the race car driver hidden inside many of us.  The engine is loud and not designed to be quiet.  

At the Los Angeles Auto Show held recently, Subaru unveiled a 2010 Special Edition of the Impreza called the WRX STI.  I was present for the announcement and was impressed with the appearance and features.  The WRX STI features upgraded performance-style suspension.  The Special Edition is only available in a unique Aspen White paint, which is strikingly attractive.

This WRX STI Special Edition is aimed directly at the rally fans who want a lot more high performance and handling.  There are a few less amenities available in the trade-off.  The suspension for this high performance machine adds a thicker rear stabilizer bar, upgraded and retuned springs, and stiffer rear sub-frame bushings.  The rear shocks are stiffened by 29 percent over the standard models.  The front springs are stiffened by 16 percent.  These differences add to the handling performance for the rally enthusiast.

The Special Edtion includes a 305 horsepower turbochared Boxer engine and a six speed manual transmission.  The car has fenders and rear quarter panels that bulge out.  An obvious link to Subaru competition cars is the rear gate-mounted spoiler and hood scoop.

After the initial limited run of the WRX STI Special Edition, the regular production model will be available in all the standard colors and more of the standard features normally found on the Impreza.  For example, the Special Edition will only have a single-disc CD and only a four speaker sound system.  The regular models have a 6 disc CD, 10 speaker sound system.  The Special Edition only offers manual air conditioning.  The regular models have automatic climate control.

The standard edition 2010 Impreza WRX was also introduced there at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  The 2010 WRX Premium model includes the 265 horsepower, 2.5 liter Turbocharged Boxer engine.  The Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system is linked with the engine and a five-speed manual gearbox.  The 2010 WRX Limited model upgrades by adding a leather interior, a standard moonroof, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

Maybe the WRS STI Special Edition isn’t your idea of a daily commute or family car and you would be more comfortable in a standard Impreza WRX.  Possibly the rally car style doesn’t excite you either and you are simply interested in a solidly built All-Wheel-Drive dependable vehicle.  Check them all out at a Subaru dealership and see what it best for you and your family.